Let's go Pikachu! Part 2

Part three-finding Lillie's mom

Lillie bit her lip but nodded. "Yeah. I just... I don't know what I'd do if something happened to Mia."

"We won't let that happen," Paulo promised firmly. "Mia's strong, and so are we."

As they neared the Aether Foundation, the wind picked up, rustling the trees and sending chills down their spines. The tall white building loomed in the distance, stark against the cloudy sky.

Misty shivered. "This place gives me the creeps... I swear I just heard something."

Rosa yelped and grabbed Lillie’s arm. "Spooky sounds! I hate spooky sounds!"

Blue rolled his eyes. "Relax. It's probably just the wind."

Paulo's eyes narrowed. "Or it could be someone—or something—watching us."

Lillie tensed, her grip on Rosa tightening. "We need to keep moving. Mia's waiting for us."

Red's expression darkened as he clenched his fists. Without a word, he took the lead, his determination driving the group forward.

"We're coming for you, Mia," Lillie whispered, her resolve strengthening. "Just hold on."

Paulo groaned. " This is getting annoying. "

Blue sighed. " Well, kid, that's what happens when you break into a villain's lair."

" But what about our Pokemon?" Lillie asked. " They're getting tired!"

Blue sighed again. " I know, I know."

He looked at all the Pokemon. Aerodactyl flapped its wings, breathing labored. Clefairy and Rockruff and Snivey had fainted, and Snorlax.... Well it was sleeping.

Blue looked away. " Tsk. If only Mia were here...."

" Pikachu, thunderbolt!"

Electricity crackled through the air as Pikachu’s powerful Thunderbolt struck the ground ahead, sending sparks flying and forcing the remaining grunts to scatter in panic.

Everyone turned to see me standing at the top of a staircase, slightly disheveled but very much alive. My Pikachu stood proudly at my side, cheeks sparking with residual electricity.

"Mia!" Lillie gasped, tears forming in her eyes.

Rosa's jaw dropped. "You're alive?! Thank Arceus!"

I grinned despite the exhaustion etched on my face. "Of course I am. You didn't think some shady villain goons would take me down, did you?"

Paulo crossed his arms, but relief flickered in his eyes. "You're late, you know."

"Fashionably late," I corrected with a wink. "But I got caught up in a minor life-or-death situation. You know how it goes."

Blue strode forward, his expression a mix of annoyance and pride. "Kid, you're reckless as ever. You nearly gave us all heart attacks."

I rubbed the back of my neck sheepishly. "Sorry about that."